Kolhapuri Saj
A Maharashtrian necklace of leaf-shaped pendants, traditionally twenty-one, each carrying its own meaning.
The saj strings a row of small leaf motifs, most representing the ten avatars of Vishnu alongside protective symbols.
It is a marriage ornament in Maharashtra, worn in the same spirit as a mangalsutra elsewhere.
Pearls and red beads are set between the leaves to break up the metalwork.
When you are buying
The pendant count and the motifs are part of the meaning rather than the design, so check both if the piece is for a traditional purpose.
Traditional regional pieces
A few from the collection, from ₹2,800.
Elegant Semi-Round White Pearls Necklace With Lakshmi Kaasu & SP Emerald Beads
Lovely Semi-Round White Pearls Necklace With Lakshmi Kaasu & SP Ruby Beads
Elegant 4.5mm Round White Pearls Necklace With Raam Darbar Kaasu Pendant
Radiant 4mm Round White Pearls Necklace With Lakshmi Kaasu & SP Ruby Beads
Elegant White Pearls Necklace With Timeless AD Pendant
Beautiful White Pearls Necklace With Traditional AD Pendant
Beautiful Traditional Pearl Necklace in Rubies
Simple and Traditional Pearl Set in Stylish Pendant
Thushi
A Maharashtrian choker of tightly packed beads on a rigid band, sitting close against the throat.
Mohan Mala
A Maharashtrian long necklace of several strands of plain gold or pearl beads, worn in multiple rows.
Mangalsutra
The necklace a married Hindu woman wears, traditionally black beads on gold with a distinctive pendant.
Temple Jewellery
South Indian jewellery in a deity and motif vocabulary, originally made to adorn temple idols and now worn by dancers and brides.